Best Gear of SHOT Show 2025 [Optics, Accessories & Gear]

While some go to SHOT Show for fun, Pew Pew Tactical’s team puts its nose to the ground and grinds. We search through 13.9 miles of aisles to find the best guns and gear. (I personally logged 10.5 miles on day one on the hunt for the best of the best!)

Today, we’re going to talk about the gear that caught our eye at SHOT Show 2025!

So, keep reading!

Best Gear of SHOT Show 2025

1. Mira Safety C21 Full-Face Respirator

Survivalism has been experiencing a resurgence lately, and with environmental dangers like wildfires sweeping the West Coast, it’s no surprise that more families are stocking up on respirators and gas masks.

Mira Safety was on the SHOT Show main floor, showing off its latest model, the C21. The C21 is a full-face respirator designed to protect against CBRN threats (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear).

The C21’s breathing apparatus is adjustable to work with right- or left-handed shooters and is compatible with 40mm threaded particulate filters.

Other upgraded features include a ballistic-resistant visor for better eye protection and a comfortable 6-point harness (available in 3D fabric) for easy wear.

It’s available in three sizes – small, medium, and large – and retails for $499.

Mira frequently appears in our Best Gas Masks article due to its quality builds, so we can’t wait to test this one out!

2. Magpul Knife

Magpul looks to shake things up in the knife industry by introducing its new Breslau knife. This everyday carry knife features a blade created from MVN35 steel using a technique known as Metal Injection Molding, or MIM.

What’s the big deal with MIM? The process uses powdered metal combined with a binder that is poured into a mold to craft the blade.

The result is a blade that performs like a high-end steel but is a bit more wallet-friendly and easier to produce. Historically, MIM has had its faults, but Magpul is kinda known for being really good at injection-molding techniques. So there’s that.

Aside from its blade, the Breslau comes with a flipper mechanism and built-in friction reduction system. This means it’s both smooth and easy to deploy.

Magpul has the Breslau priced at $190, which might prove attractive for discerning EDC enthusiasts looking for a quality knife that doesn’t break the bank.

3. Holosun

We made a pit stop at Holosun because we knew they would have some hotness. They didn’t disappoint. In fact, we recommend following our Instagram page or YouTube channel, as we’ll be serving up all the videos we took while there over the next few weeks….like this one on the IRs.

Now, onto some of our fave offerings. First up, the AEMS Pro X2 and Core X2. The AEMS Pro X2 opts for that mailbox-like look, but don’t let its boxiness fool you; it has a lot under the hood.

Specifically, this optic aims to reduce parallax by 50%. This means the dot stays on target better, even if your eye moves. Overall, this brings faster target acquisition and better overall accuracy, which is always a plus!

It also comes equipped with an anti-reflective device that reduces glare and boosts clarity. Users can expect a four post lower 1/3 co-witness mount as well as backwards compatibility with original AEMS mounts. Finally the AEMS Pro X2 boasts the Multi-Reticle System with a 65 MOA Circle and 2 MOA Dot, 2 MOA Dot, or 65 MOA Circle. The Pro X2 comes in at $399.

Taking a slight step down is the Core X2. This model also opts for that 50% parallax reduction as well as the 1/3 co-witness mount and backwards compatibility. That said, it lacks the reticle options the Pro X2 sports. Instead, the Core X2 comes with a 2 MOA dot only. But you get a slightly lower cost at only $299.

Before we leave the AEMS family, it’s worth noting that both optics come in red, green, or gold dots. Gold, we’re told, is great for color-blind shooters. So, we dig that little nod to color-free friends.

Again, there was a ton to cover at Holosun, so to keep it brief, we’re choosing our second favorite product…the DPS-TH Digital Thermal Pistol Sight. Holosun teased it last year in prototype form, but this year, it’s full steam ahead with production!

The DPS-TH is a fully enclosed red dot + thermal optic that uses Holosun’s LED Multi-Reticle System with the option to switch to a digital reticle. The thermal side of things opts for a 640×480 display at 50 fps with three modes – White Hot, Highlight, and Outline.

Meanwhile, you get the benefit of the MRS system meaning the choice of 32 MOA Circle and 2 MOA Dot, 2 MOA Dot, or 32 MOA Circle. Users will also get eight daylight settings and four night vision settings.

Powered by an 18250 battery, the battery can be easily removed and recharged, and the optic comes with a magnetic USB cable.

At last year’s SHOT, we tested out this thermal, which was still in the prototype phase. It was laggy, to say the least. This year, Holosun has really worked on that lag and improved it.

Pre-orders are on for the DPS-TH, with prices sitting at around $999.

4. Safariland Incog X IWB Holster

Safariland debuted its redesigned Incog holster in collaboration with Haley Strategic Partners.

The Incog X IWB Holster celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the company’s Incog but elevates the design for a more comfortable feel.

Wrapped in microfiber suede over a Boltaron body, the Incog X feels solid and durable while also wearing well on the body. A lot of people complain about the discomfort of straight Kydex or other hard-shell holsters, but the Incog X’s microfiber is soft to the touch and would be a nice compromise.

You can run a micro or full-sized optic – a nice touch since most CCW’ers tend to roll with a red dot these days. Safety-wise, it opts for passive retention around the trigger area and ejection port while still allowing for a full grip on the handgun.

Safariland also updated the clip system so that it locks on the belt easily but uses a finger tab to allow you to take it off without fussing with it. The polymer belt clips come in three sizes — 1/8″, 1/4″, and 3/8″.

If you like your CCW holster and spare mag holster to be one and the same, there’s an optional mag.

5. Meprolight MVO 1-8×28

Meprolight showcased a new variable optic known as the MVO 1-8×28.

The MVO 1-8×28 is a FFP scope built for the AR-15 and designed for faster-paced shooting at close-to-medium ranges. Meprolight equips it with an M1 MIL reticle. Basically, it’s an MRAD Speed Ring with a separated cross-hair. Meprolight says this makes target acquisition faster.

At lower magnifications, shooters get an illuminated CQB circle to, again, make rapidly placing shots at close range a bit easier.

The MVO 1-8×28 measures 10 inches in total length with a tube diameter of 34MM. It weighs 25.3 ounces with the battery. Speaking of the battery, it’s powered by CR2032 3V and offers 600 hours of life at mid-setting. The scope does come with a 12-hour auto power-off to help save some of that battery life.

The Meprolight MVO 1-8×28 retails for just south of $1,500.

6. XS Sights Glock Minimalist OR Sights

One of the biggest gripes with running a red dot is that you often lose your rear sight functionality. XS Sights says that doesn’t have to be the case….at least if you run a Glock, that is.

XS Sights launched a new sight set called the Glock Minimalist OR Sights, allowing you to co-witness your XS sight with a red dot. You can pair these sights with XS’ new Glock Optics Plates (RMR and Acro footprints) for the full experience.

They come in two flavors — with or without a tritium front sight — so you can pick whether you want glow-in-the-dark or not. The sights feature actual serrations cut into the glass to reduce glare. Interestingly, these cuts do not mess with your red dot, but they can be seen if the red dot goes down.

XS says they opted for sturdier screws – using M3 3.5 to add more grip and ensure a solid hold.

MSRP is $150 for both the sights and plates.

7. Surefire XC3

Surefire unveiled a new duty-grade pistol light at SHOT, the XC3. This compact handgun light offers 550 lumens and 7,200 candela. Its runtime is about 1.75 hours on high, and it uses a 123A front-loading lithium battery.

Using a lightweight, compact design, the XC3 is designed for duty purposes, but Surefire says it will also work with concealed carry.

Notable features include tactile switches that are easy to engage and a disable function that prevents it from being accidentally switched on.

The Surefire XC3 is IPX7-rated to withstand some rain and water.

MRSP is $299.

8. Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HP-X Pro

Staying in the flashlight category, Streamlight showed off its new ProTac Rail Mount HP-X Pro. Yes, it’s a mouthful to say, but this feature-rich rifle light pushes out 105,000 candela and 800 lumens on high. (55 lumens and 7,600 candela on low.)

Measuring 5.65 inches in length and weighing 6.40 ounces, it has three modes: high/strobe, high only, and low/high. Sporting a “Jack-Tap” tail cap, the ProTac offers switch redundancy with push-button or remote pressure switch operation.

Runtime is 2 hours on high with a SL-B26 battery of 1.5 hours on a CR123.

Consumers can choose just the light or, if they want a full suite, the System. The System comes with a remote pressure switch, retaining clips, double-sided tape, zip ties, and an M-LOK mount.

The Streamlight ProTac is IPX7-rated, so it’s ready to roll in the rain or adverse weather conditions.

Price-wise, you’re looking at between $210 and $266.

9. 5.11 Tactical

5.11 Tactical had a couple of items worth discussing at their booth on the SHOT Show floor.

First up, a tactical blazer. Yeah, we said tactical blazer. The Founder’s Jacket was teased last SHOT but hasn’t materialized until now. 5.11 Tactical announced the blazer will make the rounds in 2025, offering more options to suited carriers.

Using feedback from security professionals, 5.11 Tactical designed the blazer to easily accommodate gun owners who are also invested in the suit life. The Founder’s Jacket uses an 89% polyester and 11% elastane build for a comfortable and flexible fit.

Internally, the jacket features two zippered chest pockets, hidden key pockets, and phone pockets. It is also comms-ready, with the ability to run wires up the jacket.

Sizing-wise, it will come in regular and tall with your choice of dark navy or blue. Price is $160 for the regular and $194 for tall.

Aside from a snazzy blazer, 5.11 Tactical also demo’d its new collab with Sig Sauer. Dubbed the Sig Sauer x 5.11 Range Ready Collection, these bags come in various sizes to accommodate all your range needs.

What really caught our eye was the customization capabilities. To keep your gear organized, the bags come with customizable compartments that allow you to configure them the way you want. Dump it all in one slot or section your gear out — it’s entirely up to you.

The 38L Backpack ($175), Pro 19L ($110), and Trainer Bag 50L ($150) sport Sig’s “signature gray” and plenty of room to stow whatever you need for range days.

10. Garmin Instinct E

Garmin has lots of new goods at SHOT, but two in particular stood out – the Instinct E.

Like Garmin’s other tactically inspired models, the E is rugged and durable. It features up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and comes with health and wellness monitoring. From heart rate to sleep monitoring, it will tell you what you need to know about your day-to-day fitness and health.

If you’re like most of us, your watch is another way to stay connected, and the Instinct E delivers pairing with your smartwatch and delivering smart notifications. But the features don’t end there. We really liked the built-in sports apps as well as navigation features like the 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter.

The Instinct E has a sleek look and a 40MM or 45MM size – all for $299. But if you want a bit more…namely an Amoled screen and/or solar – step up to the Instinct 3. It’s more or less the big brother and comes with a few more features and color options.

Final Thoughts

If you ever get a chance to visit the media room at SHOT, go on Friday and look at the eyes of the writers and content producers who have been scouring the floor.

They’ll have a faraway stair, sore feet, a notebook full of information, and a mind stressed on deadlines. Yet, every year, we are happy to do it again and again.

What was your favorite pick from SHOT? Let us know below! Need more SHOT Show goodness? We got it over at the Best Guns of SHOT Show 2025.